feminism
At its core, feminism is the simple conviction that women are equal to men in every regard, and should be treated as such.
Is Feminism a Double-Edged Sword?
This morning whilst casually scrolling on the internet, I came across a video that left me frankly quite alarmed and astonished. In fact, I was so shocked by what I was seeing presented to me that I literally stopped, covered my mouth and gasped for air. You know that thing you do when you're really quite surprised. (Before I continue, I must admit that I am most definitely a dramatic individual, so forgive me for my over-the-top explanation.)
Shivon WatsonPublished 7 years ago in VivaDon't Blame the Girls
"Don't wear revealing clothes." "Don't go anywhere alone, especially at night." "Watch your drinks." "Don't flirt with guys—it gives them the wrong impression." "If you are walking to your car alone, carry your keys in your hands to defend yourself." "Lock your doors."
Brave Face
There are so many things I could say about him. So many bad things. Yet back then, there was only ever good things. His charm could sweep anyone off their feet. His instant replies made me feel wanted after being left feeling alone and unworthy. He'd always check up on me, making me feel secure. He'd tell me I was beautiful without makeup, looked good in every outfit. He was perfect.
Kayleigh DufourPublished 7 years ago in VivaWhy I'm Sick and Tired of Feminism
When you see someone like me on any given day, your first thought would probably not be feminist. You might see me in a jacked up truck, or rolling around in my 4 door car bumping any G-Eazy song singing "Man, she's got the deepest throat, yeah shes blessed..." (Say Less by G- Easy) and smoking a cigarette. In fact, feminist is probably the last thing you might think. But, if you saw my Facebook page, you would think I'm a certified SJW (Social Justice Warrior). You would see a wide array of posts talking about sex worker rights, videos from Hasan Piker (Total SJW BAE) and Philip Defranco, and posts discussing the injustices of POC (People of Color) and LGBTQIA+. However, since discovering my feminist mindset at 14, (6 years ago) I have learned of a lot of shit that I am sick and tired of seeing within the feminist movement.
Hope J. NasPublished 7 years ago in VivaCycling as a Feminist Act
Feminism has helped me learn a lot about myself and the world. Perhaps one of the most surprising things it has taught me is how to ride a bike. By this, I don’t mean how to balance, pedal, and look where I wanted to go. My brilliant dad had taught me that long before either of us would have used the word "feminism" to describe our actions. No, I mean how to actually use a bike in daily, adult life without unnecessary injury and panic attacks. And it turns out, doing so helps me grow as a feminist.
Sophie SmallPublished 7 years ago in VivaFamous Celebrity Feminists
Feminism is often seen as stigmatized. At one point, it was even common for women to say things along the lines of, "I'm not a feminist, but..."
Mackenzie Z. KennedyPublished 7 years ago in VivaFamous Male Feminists
Feminists are among the toughest group of individuals fighting for equality and women's rights — and we need them. They're very passionate in their beliefs and are standing by all women across the world to gain their rights. But did you know that not all feminists are women? It's true! There are male feminists who have the same beliefs and want to gain rights for women. It looks like not all men are non-feminist douchebags, huh?
Jacqueline HanikehPublished 7 years ago in VivaThe Resurgence of Witchcraft in Modern American Society
The word "Witchcraft," for most, conjures mental images of pointed hats, broomsticks, and bubbling cauldrons filled with green goo. Witches are thought to be part of the past, and anyone who claims they are one must be delusional, right?
Austyn CastelliPublished 7 years ago in VivaDoes Free Will Really Exist?
I was sitting in church this Sunday. This day I was so in tune with just me and the higher power. I was in my own head giving thanks to the higher power for my life and the life of my loved ones. The pastor kept referencing free will. This idea that we all have 100% choice over our everyday actions given to us by god to choose a life that guides you either on a path of destruction or a path to everlasting life. Do I believe that we have free will? My answer is a flat-out no. In my views, no government system that exists on our globe fully gives humans that capacity for free choice because all practices are taught within systems and structures. There are always limits to how we dress, communicate, and exist around each other.
SAYHERNAME Morgan SankofaPublished 7 years ago in VivaGoddesses
There is an interesting shift happening. From feeling the need to hide our bodies to exposing them so casually. Hated for hiding too much, hated for showing too much.
Dea KronykaPublished 7 years ago in VivaDon’t Mistake My Confidence for Self-Absorption
Women suffer, silently. Before we’re even taught basic arithmetic, the idea that we need to count calories to maintain our worth as humans is wedged into our core beliefs. We’re taught to receive the world as passive observers, to keep our voices low and our bodies invisible. To be seen and not heard. Can you hear me now? We fold ourselves up like paper cranes in public. We shrink ourselves, we stunt our own growth in hopes that we’ll one day be as inconspicuous as a blade of grass. Light and ethereal, gentle as a plume of smoke from a candle. We’re barely there. A real woman is effortlessly beautiful and brilliant and kind, but don’t you dare talk about your successes you narcissistic bitch, didn’t anyone ever teach you to be humble?
Elizabeth OlsonPublished 7 years ago in VivaBurn the Makeover Movie
There’s a lot of things I don’t miss about the noughties; low rise jeans and Juicy Couture velour rank amongst them. but the trend I most despise is the Makeover Movie. Also, here’s a disclaimer for the guys in the back; yes, being a feminist and an “ugly” teenager who had to wait till she was eighteen until her first kiss influences my opinion on this. It’s not that I “wouldn’t have a problem” if I was hot, it’s a case of I wouldn’t be the target audience. These movies are a goldmine of daydreams for nerdy teenage girls who harbour unobtainable popular crushes (*raises hand in admittance). They feed the mentality that “it’s not me, it’s my face/body/fashion/anything that makes up my identity and if I change it he’ll fall hopelessly in love with me and I can design the interior of our castle.” The makeover movie is a sub genre of teen films that follow a basic formula: Girl is unattractive, she likes boy who is attractive, witty sidekick persuades her to undergo a makeover, she is suddenly attractive because she now has make-up, contact lenses, and clothes that fit, boy likes her back, happily ever after. The thing is this template sells us fantasy dressed up in a high school guise; in the real world, a lovely, yet slightly plain looking girl who gets a "makeover" will look pretty much the same and odds are, the guy she likes will probably not glance her way regardless of what she wears. The problem is the makeover plot relies on and improbable event happening, but frames it in a realistic setting. The movies should be labelled fantasy as their plot lines are akin to Cinderella landing the cover of Sport Illustrated because the Prince found a girl who the glass bikini fits. But we bask in these films of the fantastical without any care for their source. Like the Miller's daughter in Rumplestiltskin, the director appears to turn the straw of everyday life into gold and we choose not to question his methods. This impossible feat is a trick of the eye; deep down we know this, yet we hold the counterfeit gold to our chests and wish we could afford the real deal.